Gifts for Outdoor Families

Gifts for Outdoor Families

Gifts for Outdoor Families
We absolutely love the holidays at Morrison Outdoors. There’s something magical about gathering with family, savoring brisk outdoor adventures, and relaxing by a fire indoors or out. It’s the perfect season to start plotting future outings and equipping yourself with the gear to make them happen.

We’ve compiled this list of epic gifts for the outdoor enthusiasts on your list this year (from baby to adult). We’ve included gear we love enough to sell in our online shop, along with a few items we swear by even if we don’t carry them ourselves (yet!). 

Winter Layers

Don’t let the dropping temperatures prevent you from getting outside! These layers will keep the whole family comfortable, whether you’re racing down the slopes or enjoying a cup of cocoa by the campfire. 

Shop Base Layers:
Shop Mid Layers:
Shop Outer Layers:
Base Layers for All
Arguably the most important layer, quality base layers can double as pajamas, provide insulation for temperature regulation, and wick away moisture to keep you dry. These benefits apply to both cold and warm adventures!

Merino Wool is the gold standard when it comes to base layer material. We love the Baby Adventure Zippy  and the Kids Base Layer sets from Iksplor. They also sell adult base layer tops and bottoms, and even have options for nursing moms!
An image showing a mom with her two kids, all wearing Iksplor Merino Wool base layer sets
Cozy Mid Layers

Comfy mid-layers provide that extra layer of insulation when the temperatures drop. They are easy to add or remove as needed, making them an adaptable layer for temperature regulation. Fleece is a great option to keep the littles cozy and warm on the trail.

We love the Sherpa Pullover from Keep the Littles Wild along with the Sherpa Fleece Jacket from Oaki. The Stretch Sweatpants from First Peak are a comfy option for midlayer bottoms along with the Grown-Up Adventure Joggers from Iksplor for the adults.

A child wearing a Keep the Littles Wild Sherpa Pullover Fleece Sweater
Outer Layers

This layer is your protection from the elements, including rain, wind, and snow.  If you need a fully waterproof option, the Kids Snowsuit from Oaki and the Insulated Snow Pants from Hootie Hoo are great options. For a weather-resistant option for those dry, chilly days, check out the Reversible Puffy Jackets from Keep the Littles Wild.

A group of kids on the ski slopes wearing Hootie Hoo Outerwear

Rain Gear

Rain gear is useful if you experience rainy, muddy, or snowy seasons.  It can even double as a waterproof outer layer in winter with the proper layers underneath! Check out this post for more information on how to choose raingear for your kiddos. Here are some of our favorite waterproof options:

Shop Rain Gear:
One-Piece Rainsuits

If you have a “puddle swimmer” or plan to use a rainsuit as a waterproof shell over winter layers, a one-piece rainsuit is an excellent choice. We love the Oakiwear Trail Suit for its personalized fit (they cinch at the waist, ankles, and wrists). The Tuffo Muddy Buddy and the Keep the Little Wild Reflective Rainsuit are also great options.

An image of three children wearing one-piece rainsuits from Oaki and Tuffo
Two-Piece Rain Suits

If you are looking for separate pieces that can be worn together or separately, Keep the Littles Wild has quality options for both Rain Pants and Rain Jackets that will keep your kiddos comfortable and visible on gloomy, wet days.

A group of children wearing Keep the Littles Wild two-piece rainsuits
Rain Boots

Don’t forget the waterproof footwear! With the right socks, these can double as snow boots. For a short option, we like the Summit Rain Boots from Keep the Littles Wild. For a more traditional rainboot, check out the fully waterproof Crocs Boots for Kids.

A child wearing Keep the Littles Wild rainboots

Adventure Essentials

Regardless of where your outdoor adventure takes you, these items are great additions to your gear list this holiday season.
 
Shop Adventure Essentials:
First Aid Kit 

Regardless of the type of adventure you go on, you’ll want a stocked first aid kit available for those cuts, bites, and more serious injuries. We currently carry the KEEP>Going First Aid Kits in three sizes to fit the needs of your adventure and family.

An image comparing the different sizes of the KEEP>GOING First Aid kits
Heat-It Bug Bite Treatment

This handy tool is super simple to use and provides quick relief from the bites and stings of various insects. Check out our blog post to learn how it works and why we love it.

A woman using the Heat-It Bug Bite Treatment product on her child
Adventure Diaper Bag

If you’ve ever wished for a diaper bag that doubled as an adventure pack, we’ve got you covered! The Adventure Proof Diaper Backpack from Milk x Whiskey includes everything you need to meet your baby’s needs, along with room for adventure gear in a durable, rugged backpack.

A Milk x Whiskey adventure diaper bag in use

Baby/Toddler Camping Gear

The thought of taking your baby or toddler camping can be daunting. These products can help you and your little one feel more comfortable while camping, especially at night.
 
Shop Baby/Toddler Camping Gear:
Sleeping Bags

Our award-winning sleeping bags have helped numerous families get a good night's sleep while camping and backpacking. They come in three kid sizes (the Little Mo, the Big Mo, and the Mighty Mo, which are all available in both synthetic and down options based on your climate. They also happen to come in an adult size (the Mega Mo) in case you want to get in on the comfy action with your kiddos.

Three Morrison Outdoors Sleeping Bags hanging in a row on front stoop of cabin
Babba Bottle Cooler and Warmer

This may seem like a luxury, but if you have a bottle-fed baby, you know how tedious it can be to lug around the extra thermoses, cold packs, etc. This handy little Bottle Cooler and Warmer reduces your need for excess equipment, allowing you to enjoy the camping experience without the worry.

A woman enjoying the outdoors with her baby while using a Babba Baby Bottle Cooler and Warmer
Roar Sound Machine and Speaker

If you’ve ever run down your phone battery playing soothing sounds all night so your finicky baby will sleep in the tent, this is the product for you! This sound machine is equipped with soothing sounds to help everyone sleep soundly, and it doubles as a wireless speaker you can connect to your phone for those campsite dance parties.

ROAR Sound Machine in an outdoor setting
Roar Baby Monitor

Picture this: Your baby finally falls asleep for a nap in the tent when you discover you need more firewood. These monitors allow you to venture up to 1000 feet away, so you can comfortably collect wood, scout the area, explore the forest with older kids, etc., knowing you’ll hear your baby if they need you.

A ROAR Baby Monitor on a sleeping bag outside

Camping Bathroom

You’ll never have an issue doing your “business” in nature again with these convenient (and hygienic)  gear items:
 
Shop Camping Bathroom:
PACT Outdoors Bathroom Kit

This is the ultimate kit if you have to poop in nature. It comes with mycelium tabs to break down waste, wipes that decompose quickly, hand sanitizer, an ergonomic shovel, and more, all in a handy carrying case. You’ll never be poop-shy in nature again!

The PACT Outdoors Bathroom Kit
Kula Cloth

The Kula pee cloths are hygienic, effective, and make a stylish addition to any hiking or camping kit. They also happen to be eco-friendly and made in the U.S.A.

A Kula pee cloth with a colorful camping themed design
Pearl Pop Toothpaste

These little toothpaste pearls provide a mess-free and fun way to get your kids to brush their teeth… without complaining! They come in various flavors and are easy to pop into your camping bathroom kit.

Pearl Pop Toothpaste spread on a counter in all the available flavors

Hiking and Backpacking with Kids

Hit the trail in style and comfort with these adventurous gifts.
 
Shop Hiking and Backpacking with Kids:
Trail Magik

If you’ve ever hiked with an early walker, you know it can be a constant up and down in the carrier. Instead of dragging around a bulky kid carrier, this lightweight, super packable carrier clips right to your pack when needed, and packs away in a side pocket when not in use.

A man hiking with his young child in the woods using a Trail Magik Kid Carrier
Pacifier Tether

No more lost pacifiers or toys on the trail! This clip attaches to just about anything, securing your little one's favorite soother or toy so they can be content, and you don’t have to constantly search for or clean fallen binkies.

A woman hiking with a child in a framed hiking carrier using a Trail Tether
Kids Hiking Pants

These comfy pants from Keep the Littles Wild are built to withstand the rough and tumble play of outdoor kiddos. They have reinforced knees and rear, multiple pockets for treasures, and are water-resistant. Now, if they just made them in adult sizes…

Keep the Littles Wild Water resistant hiking pants
Chaser Sun Hoodie

The breathable Chaser Sun Hoodie provides UPF 50+ sun protection and antimicrobial odor resistance, so you can stay comfortable, even when chasing kiddos down sunny trails. The hood and thumbholes are a nice touch to ensure a good fit and full sun protection.

A woman and small child wearing Chaser sun hoodies from Milk x Whiskey

Bonus: Staff Favorites We Don’t Sell (Yet)

Even though we don’t carry these gear items in our online shop (yet!), we love them so much that we couldn’t leave them off our list.
 
Shop Staff Favorites We Don't Sell (Yet):
Power Bank

If you plan on taking electronic devices with you on your adventure (such as your phone or the bottle cooler and warmer we mentioned earlier), a quality power bank is a must-have. I really like the Anker Laptop Power Bank, which can provide multiple charges per device. For a slimmer option, check out the BioLite Charge Power Bank.

Anker laptop power bank being used to charge a phone outside
Camping String Lights

String lights make for a magical camping environment. They can also double as extra lighting during power outages and epic fort builds. The Biolite Luci Solar String Lights can be charged via solar power or USB, and provide a fun multi-colored environment.

Biolight solar Luci Lights set up at a campsite
A Quality Camping Pad

Who says sleeping in a tent has to be uncomfortable? A number of us here at Morrison Outdoors use and love the Exped MegaMat Sleeping pad for a restful night in the great outdoors.

An Exped Mega Mat inside a tent with Morrison Sleeping bags on top

Are you still not sure what the outdoor lover on your list would love? Give the gift of choice with a Morrison Outdoors Gift Card. Our gift cards offer a convenient and flexible gifting option, with denominations ranging from $10 to $500. The best part? They can be used to purchase ANY product available in our growing online store!

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